In a firm stance, the European Commission has confirmed that the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) will come into effect on August 2, 2025, despite strong opposition from 45 major European companies across various sectors. These companies have called for a postponement of the legislation due to its complexity and the high cost of compliance.
Background on the AI Act
The AI Act is the first legislation of its kind in the world, aiming to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in a way that balances innovation with the protection of human rights. The law classifies AI systems based on their level of risk. High-risk systems—such as those used in healthcare, education, and law enforcement—will be subject to strict requirements, including transparency, auditability, and safeguards for privacy and individual rights.
Objections from Major European Companies
On July 3, 2025, 45 leading European companies signed an open letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for a two-year delay in implementing the AI Act. These companies span various sectors, including technology, energy, finance, and retail. Among them are major names like Airbus, Total, BNP Paribas, Carrefour, and Mistral AI.
In their letter, the companies argued that the complexity of the regulation and the high cost of compliance could harm their global competitiveness, particularly in comparison to U.S. and Chinese firms that are not subject to such strict regulations.
European Commission’s Response: No Delay, No Grace Period
In response to these demands, Commission spokesperson Thomas Reynaert declared that “there is no pause, no grace period, no delay.” He emphasized that the timeline for enforcement will remain unchanged, with initial requirements going into effect on August 2, 2025.
It’s worth noting that some provisions—such as the ban on certain unacceptable-risk AI applications—will be enforced later in 2025, while full implementation of the law is expected in 2026.
Importance and Future Impact of the AI Act
The AI Act aims to set unified European standards that protect users from the potential risks of artificial intelligence while supporting technological innovation. Despite challenges in implementation, the legislation represents a strategic step toward building trust in AI technologies and promoting the development of responsible and safe systems.
Conclusion
The AI Act remains a cornerstone in the EU’s approach to AI regulation. Its firm implementation in August 2025 reflects Brussels’ commitment to protecting users and responsibly governing emerging technologies, despite opposition from major industry players. This law is expected to have a wide-ranging impact on the global tech landscape and may serve as a global benchmark for AI regulation.
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